Use the Summary area below to collaborate with your group to create your summary of the connections between white privilege, the colorblind perspective, and social dominance theory.
Press Save on the Editor bar.
Note: Please post your name at the end of your information. Your group summary should demonstrate your collaboration rather than being a collection of unconnected individual ideas. When your group decides that the summary is finished, have one group member remove "(Draft)" below so your facilitator will know that it is ready for review.
Summary
Peggy McIntosh begins her article by comparing the idea of "male privilege over female lack-of-privilege" to allude that it is comparable to "white privilege over people of color lack-of-privilege". It is an interesting parallel to draw because they are two completely different worlds, yet the concept of "advantaged over disadvantaged" is the same.
McIntosh says: "I think whites are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege, as males are taught not to recognize male privilege." This echos Howard's statement: "As whites, we usually don't even think of ourselves as having culture; we're simply 'right.'" (Howard, G, 2006). If you are already "right", then there is no need to question or to attempt to recognize another's perspective. The concept of the colorblind perspective attempts to provide a path to understanding how, when regarding issues of race, people of color and whites are oftentimes not talking about the same thing. Peggy McIntosh's list of privileges further informs the connections by expanding on Howard's concept of social dominance theory. Members of the dominant white culture and those of a minority culture, as the readings reflect, may have very different perceptions as to how race affects the way they relate. Whites may not even see the problems which are apparent to minorities. Peggy McIntosh's statements of privilege can be a reminder of how being from the white culture, it is not usually on the forefront of one's mind that they are "lucky". For example, how whites don't have to deal with some of the problems or even barriers that others from different cultures do. The colorblind perspective also also not a solution to the race issue of America. "If I notice someone’s race, I might be perceived as racist." (Key information) There are several issues to this statement. First of all, there seems to be nothing in between being a "racist" and "not being a racist". It is a label that is easily stuck, and it's either/or. In fact, noticing someone's race seems like a very natural thing to do. Is it not the first thing we see when we look at someone? Their face, their color, the way they dress, their behavior? The question is not if we are colorblind, but if we judge and treat a person differently because of our own "single story." Howard adds: "the underlying assumption is that human difference is in itself is a problem. Difference threatens dominance, because it upsets the belief in one's own rightness." (Chapter 3: Decoding the Dominance Paradigm). So, in actuality, being colorblind is indeed not an answer to the question of racism. It seems more neutral than being a full-blown Racist, but without the recognition of privilege, America still has a long way to go. It does raise the issue for we as teachers who are white, and as Howard outlines in his book in Chapters 2 and 3, “White Dominance and the Weight of the West”, as well as “Decoding the Dominance Paradigm”. We may as well be teachers going into classroom situations wherein the students may have a very different perspective. The more we can understand of the perspective by which our students are coming from, the more effectively we will be able to meet them where they are and real learning can begin to take place.
(*You end by saying 'real learning can take place.' This statement speaks volumes about the society we wish to see. SR)
Below are the 5 privileges that each group member identified:
There are five privileges Peggy McIntosh lists that stand out to me: 3. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location (a place which I can afford) will be neutral or pleasant to me.
This point stands out because I never even really think about it. It reminds me of the reasoning that “race is invisible” if you are a person of privilege. It does though raise the issue that Ms. McIntosh mentions in her article, discriminations based on race and social class are at times intricately intertwined. 9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.
Again, these points stand out because I am white and it has rarely occurred to me that I would not be able to find someone to do something as perfunctorily as cutting hair. (These examples do prove interesting; many people certainly do not think about these things when they go places. SR) 10. Whether I use checks, credit cards or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of my financial reliability.
This has never been a question for me, I never have anyone challenge or question my capability of paying when I pull out the credit card. 14. I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.
Not even an issue that I think about. At least the way I perceive it people don’t lump me into one general ethnic or racial group. (This is where we see the example of being a part of the majority can alter our perspective. SR) 15. I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.
I don’t know how I would answer a question if asked to sum up the way “white people feel” on an issue. There is no way I could speak for the collective experience of such a broad, general group. (Especially when one considers that 'white people' represent a large number of individuals. SR)
John Pahls The 5 privileges that stood out to me are:
6. When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my color made it what it is. To me, this privilege helps to justify ALL of the "white privileges" because it is "thanks" to the white's forefathers that we are as 'advanced' / 'civilized' as we are today. So others should actually be thankful, because, where would we be otherwise?
9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair. This one especially speaks to me because whenever I am abroad, I need to look carefully for a "black hairdresser", meaning a person who can handle "kinky" hair. The hairdresser doesn't necessarily have to be a person of color, but I have had hairdressers tell me: I'm sorry, I don't know how to handle your type of hair. And it's something that I have become very sensitive about. In fact, I usually put my hair in braids when I travel to the US, so that I don't have to worry about blow drying my hair when I'm there. (The next time you come to the U.S., I hope you are able to find someone who can work with you. There are so many great stylists. SR)
12. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or the illiteracy of my race. This privilege impacts me emotionally, because it alludes to the generalization that people of color continue to be oppressed, which can be seen is such blatant artifacts such as choice of speech, way of dressing and ability to write.
18. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to “the person in charge,” I will be facing a person of my race. This privilege alludes to the idea that whites are more educated, and therefore hold higher positions.
22. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having coworkers on the job suspect that I got it because of race. This one breaks my heart: it bring up questions of pride: was I hired for my abilities and qualifications or just to meet some government-mandated quota? (I would like to think that all individuals are hired for their merits. SR)
Lina Engelhart
5 privileges of Peggy McIntosh that stood out to me were: by Amy Taylor
1. I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time. I realize that I spend much time with people in my same race and that leads to a sense of familiarity and comfort ability. However, I do value the relationships I have with diverse cultures. (Great! SR)
9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair. This statement makes me realize how easy my race has it. Being from the white culture, I never have to consider that my race won't be represented.
2. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area, which I can afford and in which I would want to live.
I recognize that I am privileged to live in a place that I can afford which is true for some in my race, but not all. I think this has more to do with me being in a higher place in the socio-economic status, but I realize by being white, I had many opportunities to be successful professionally, which has affected my income in a positive way.
3. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.
This reminds me that I am lucky to live in an environment where my neighbors are pleasant and non-threatening. I realize not everyone is this lucky.
4. I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed. This privilege helps me to remember that I am lucky that I don't have to worry about safety overall. I live in a pretty safe environment and my environment is a diverse one, but higher in the socio-economic level of society which generally relates to higher safety. There is not much of a need for basic resources to where someone could be desperate and try to steal or hurt another for money or possessions.
Dear John and Amy, I removed these sentences from the summary because they were more specific opinion, rather than general.
Sentences removed from the summary:
- I did not even recognize what may be of issue until looking at the list provided by Ms. McIntosh. (JP)
- I live in a safe environment, I don't have to walk around feeling scared for my safety, I have many opportunities, etc. I realize this not guaranteed for some from less advantaged backgrounds. (AT)
- Being suspect for who I am, as well as not being able to acquire basic items within the culture are issues that never appear on my radar screen. I used to make the five hour, 250 mile trip between Cincinnati and Cleveland three or four times a year. I would often stop in two different places in rural parts of Ohio on the way to and from and would never think twice about service in a restaurant or as being seen as different. Cincinnati and Cleveland are urban, multi-cultural centers, but those stops in the countryside I would take for granted, others could not. (JP)
Home > Activity 4-A-3: White Privilege > Group A
Instructions:
Note:
Please post your name at the end of your information. Your group summary should demonstrate your collaboration rather than being a collection of unconnected individual ideas. When your group decides that the summary is finished, have one group member remove "(Draft)" below so your facilitator will know that it is ready for review.
Summary
Peggy McIntosh begins her article by comparing the idea of "male privilege over female lack-of-privilege" to allude that it is comparable to "white privilege over people of color lack-of-privilege". It is an interesting parallel to draw because they are two completely different worlds, yet the concept of "advantaged over disadvantaged" is the same.
McIntosh says: "I think whites are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege, as males are taught not to recognize male privilege." This echos Howard's statement: "As whites, we usually don't even think of ourselves as having culture; we're simply 'right.'" (Howard, G, 2006). If you are already "right", then there is no need to question or to attempt to recognize another's perspective. The concept of the colorblind perspective attempts to provide a path to understanding how, when regarding issues of race, people of color and whites are oftentimes not talking about the same thing. Peggy McIntosh's list of privileges further informs the connections by expanding on Howard's concept of social dominance theory. Members of the dominant white culture and those of a minority culture, as the readings reflect, may have very different perceptions as to how race affects the way they relate. Whites may not even see the problems which are apparent to minorities.
Peggy McIntosh's statements of privilege can be a reminder of how being from the white culture, it is not usually on the forefront of one's mind that they are "lucky". For example, how whites don't have to deal with some of the problems or even barriers that others from different cultures do. The colorblind perspective also also not a solution to the race issue of America. "If I notice someone’s race, I might be perceived as racist." (Key information) There are several issues to this statement. First of all, there seems to be nothing in between being a "racist" and "not being a racist". It is a label that is easily stuck, and it's either/or. In fact, noticing someone's race seems like a very natural thing to do. Is it not the first thing we see when we look at someone? Their face, their color, the way they dress, their behavior? The question is not if we are colorblind, but if we judge and treat a person differently because of our own "single story." Howard adds: "the underlying assumption is that human difference is in itself is a problem. Difference threatens dominance, because it upsets the belief in one's own rightness." (Chapter 3: Decoding the Dominance Paradigm). So, in actuality, being colorblind is indeed not an answer to the question of racism. It seems more neutral than being a full-blown Racist, but without the recognition of privilege, America still has a long way to go.
It does raise the issue for we as teachers who are white, and as Howard outlines in his book in Chapters 2 and 3, “White Dominance and the Weight of the West”, as well as “Decoding the Dominance Paradigm”. We may as well be teachers going into classroom situations wherein the students may have a very different perspective. The more we can understand of the perspective by which our students are coming from, the more effectively we will be able to meet them where they are and real learning can begin to take place.
(*You end by saying 'real learning can take place.' This statement speaks volumes about the society we wish to see. SR)
Below are the 5 privileges that each group member identified:
There are five privileges Peggy McIntosh lists that stand out to me:
3. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location (a place which I can afford) will be neutral or pleasant to me.
This point stands out because I never even really think about it. It reminds me of the reasoning that “race is invisible” if you are a person of privilege. It does though raise the issue that Ms. McIntosh mentions in her article, discriminations based on race and social class are at times intricately intertwined.
9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.
Again, these points stand out because I am white and it has rarely occurred to me that I would not be able to find someone to do something as perfunctorily as cutting hair. (These examples do prove interesting; many people certainly do not think about these things when they go places. SR)
10. Whether I use checks, credit cards or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of my financial reliability.
This has never been a question for me, I never have anyone challenge or question my capability of paying when I pull out the credit card.
14. I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race.
Not even an issue that I think about. At least the way I perceive it people don’t lump me into one general ethnic or racial group. (This is where we see the example of being a part of the majority can alter our perspective. SR)
15. I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.
I don’t know how I would answer a question if asked to sum up the way “white people feel” on an issue. There is no way I could speak for the collective experience of such a broad, general group. (Especially when one considers that 'white people' represent a large number of individuals. SR)
John Pahls
The 5 privileges that stood out to me are:
6. When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
To me, this privilege helps to justify ALL of the "white privileges" because it is "thanks" to the white's forefathers that we are as 'advanced' / 'civilized' as we are today. So others should actually be thankful, because, where would we be otherwise?
9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.
This one especially speaks to me because whenever I am abroad, I need to look carefully for a "black hairdresser", meaning a person who can handle "kinky" hair. The hairdresser doesn't necessarily have to be a person of color, but I have had hairdressers tell me: I'm sorry, I don't know how to handle your type of hair. And it's something that I have become very sensitive about. In fact, I usually put my hair in braids when I travel to the US, so that I don't have to worry about blow drying my hair when I'm there. (The next time you come to the U.S., I hope you are able to find someone who can work with you. There are so many great stylists. SR)
12. I can swear, or dress in second hand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or the illiteracy of my race.
This privilege impacts me emotionally, because it alludes to the generalization that people of color continue to be oppressed, which can be seen is such blatant artifacts such as choice of speech, way of dressing and ability to write.
18. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to “the person in charge,” I will be facing a person of my race.
This privilege alludes to the idea that whites are more educated, and therefore hold higher positions.
22. I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having coworkers on the job suspect that I got it because of race.
This one breaks my heart: it bring up questions of pride: was I hired for my abilities and qualifications or just to meet some government-mandated quota? (I would like to think that all individuals are hired for their merits. SR)
Lina Engelhart
5 privileges of Peggy McIntosh that stood out to me were: by Amy Taylor
1. I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.
I realize that I spend much time with people in my same race and that leads to a sense of familiarity and comfort ability. However, I do value the relationships I have with diverse cultures. (Great! SR)
9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods which fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.
This statement makes me realize how easy my race has it. Being from the white culture, I never have to consider that my race won't be represented.
2. If I should need to move, I can be pretty sure of renting or purchasing housing in an area, which I can afford and in which I would want to live.
I recognize that I am privileged to live in a place that I can afford which is true for some in my race, but not all. I think this has more to do with me being in a higher place in the socio-economic status, but I realize by being white, I had many opportunities to be successful professionally, which has affected my income in a positive way.
3. I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.
This reminds me that I am lucky to live in an environment where my neighbors are pleasant and non-threatening. I realize not everyone is this lucky.
4. I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
This privilege helps me to remember that I am lucky that I don't have to worry about safety overall. I live in a pretty safe environment and my environment is a diverse one, but higher in the socio-economic level of society which generally relates to higher safety. There is not much of a need for basic resources to where someone could be desperate and try to steal or hurt another for money or possessions.
Dear John and Amy, I removed these sentences from the summary because they were more specific opinion, rather than general.
Sentences removed from the summary:
- I did not even recognize what may be of issue until looking at the list provided by Ms. McIntosh. (JP)
- I live in a safe environment, I don't have to walk around feeling scared for my safety, I have many opportunities, etc. I realize this not guaranteed for some from less advantaged backgrounds. (AT)
- Being suspect for who I am, as well as not being able to acquire basic items within the culture are issues that never appear on my radar screen. I used to make the five hour, 250 mile trip between Cincinnati and Cleveland three or four times a year. I would often stop in two different places in rural parts of Ohio on the way to and from and would never think twice about service in a restaurant or as being seen as different. Cincinnati and Cleveland are urban, multi-cultural centers, but those stops in the countryside I would take for granted, others could not. (JP)